FIFA approve tough anti-racist sanctions

FIFA are set to introduce tough new sanctions to combat racism in football.

The measures - including a five-match ban for players involved in racist or discriminatory behaviour - have been voted in with a 99 percent majority at the FIFA Congress in Mauritius.

The sanctions also include teams being hit warnings, a fine or being forced to play matches behind closed doors, while incidents deemed as 'serious' can incur punishments including points deductions, expulsion from a given competition or even relegation.

Addressing the congress prior to the vote, president Sepp Blatter reaffirmed FIFA's commitment to stamping out the problem of racism within the game.

He said: "There have been despicable events this year that have cast a long shadow over football and the rest of society.

"I am speaking of the politics of hate - racism, ignorance, discrimination, intolerance, small-minded prejudice. That uncivilised, immoral and self-destructive force that we all detest.

"We can send a strong signal to the racists that their time is up.

"We have been through a difficult time. It has been a test for the world of football and for those who lead it."

FIFA have also announced that the current system for players' agents will be completely overhauled.

The current licensing framework will be scrapped entirely and a new one put in its place that FIFA hope will improve be one "that is more transparent, simpler in its implementation and administration".